Despite Upbeat European Data, Euro Weakens Ahead of FOMC Decision

Market jitters ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on Wednesday are putting pressure on the Euro (EUR) against the US Dollar. The EUR/USD is trading at 1.0863, down 0.08% at the time of writing.

Positive signs in Eurozone:

Investor sentiment in the Eurozone received a boost after Germany’s ZEW economic sentiment survey and the broader EU survey both beat expectations, reaching 31.7 and 33.5 respectively for March.

US Housing Market Strengthens:

US economic data painted a positive picture, with Building Permits and Housing Starts exceeding forecasts in February. This signals potential growth in the US housing sector.

Central Bank Decisions and Market Reactions:

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) raised interest rates for the first time in decades, but the move was seen as dovish, leading to a weaker Japanese Yen (JPY). The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept rates unchanged, leaving the door open for future hikes if inflation picks up.

Global Market Movement:

Wall Street closed with decent gains as global bond yields declined. The US 10-year Treasury bond yield dipped slightly, while the US Dollar Index (DXY) rose 0.23%.

The Euro is facing headwinds due to FOMC meeting uncertainty, despite positive economic signals from the Eurozone. The focus remains on the Fed’s decision and its potential impact on global markets.